Hollie Doyle's Column: Backing Pierre Bonnard for O'Brien's Tenth St. Leger Victory

Sky Sports Racing’s ambassador, Hollie Doyle, is gearing up for the 250th running of the St. Leger at Doncaster this Saturday, with a compelling undercard that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Racing. She also takes a quick look at the action slated for Leopardstown later in the weekend. The big question on everyone’s mind is who can possibly stand in the way of Aidan O'Brien as he eyes a historic tenth triumph in the world’s oldest Classic, the Betfred St.

Leger Stakes (3.35) at Doncaster. O'Brien has entered four horses for the centenary edition of the race, including the hot favourite Christmas Day.

The colt is aiming to become the first Derby winner to capture the St. Leger since Reference Point did it 39 years ago, a feat that would cement his place in racing history.

A strong contender from the O'Brien camp is likely to be his son, Joseph O'Brien, who may field the impressive Enceladus. Enceladus is stepping up to Group One company for the first time after a dominant performance in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot and a solid showing in the Group Three Gordon Stakes at Goodwood. His blend of stamina and turn‑of‑foot makes him a genuine threat, but the odds still heavily favour the Ballydoyle stable’s own horses.

While many will be watching Christmas Day, I am convinced that Aidan O'Brien can secure his tenth Leger with a different mount – Pierre Bonnard. Bonnard finished ahead of Christmas Day in the Great Voltigeur Stakes at York last month, proving he possesses the stamina and class needed for the demanding three‑mile test.

The Great Voltigeur is often seen as a trial for the Leger, and Bonnard’s performance there suggests he is ready to write his own chapter in the O’Brien legacy. For fans watching the video highlights, using the Chrome browser will provide the most reliable player experience. Turning to the other races on the card, GENTLE HURRICANE, who trailed his novice win when chasing home Haffner in the Group Three Acomb Stakes at York, is poised to improve his form in the Betfred Champagne Stakes (1.45) on Saturday. Trained by Andrew Balding, the colt will be at home over seven furlongs at Doncaster in this Group Two contest, and his prior experience should serve him well in an open renewal.

The likely favourite for the same race, Desert Castle, made a striking debut on the July Course at Newmarket, briefly leading the betting for the 2,000 Guineas. However, the step up in class for the Champagne Stakes is significant, and it raises questions about whether the colt can sustain that level of performance.

Willie Muir and Chris Grassick have entered Breacher in the higher‑grade race after a promising third place in the Group Three Solario Stakes at Sandown. That run earned him a spot in the mix and gives him a solid platform to challenge more established rivals.

In other Sky Sports Racing highlights, Almeraq is set for an Ascot return on Champions Day, while Deep Havana and Pilu will clash at Yarmouth. Fairy Glen is well‑fancied in the John Musker Fillies’ Stakes feature at Yarmouth, and the Eastern Festival at the same venue kicks off with exciting novice action.

Saffie Osborne comments that many more jockeys deserve a chance similar to the Leger winner, according to Kevin Blake, while Windsor’s flat season finale headlines Monday’s action on Sky Sports Racing. Turning to the Group Two Betfred Park Stakes (2.55) on Saturday, the race offers a chance for MORE THUNDER to return to the winners’ enclosure after a disappointing finish in the Prix Jacques le Marois last month. The seven‑furlong distance should suit his speed and allow him to finish strongly. Qirat, who ran a superb race to finish second in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood, will likely provide a hard‑fought, end‑to‑end contest alongside Witness Stand.

However, Tom Marquand’s mount has the class to outstay them both. At longer odds, I am intrigued by Kevin Ryan’s Volterra, who is making his first start since being gelded.

He was dropped straight into a high‑class handicap after a runner‑up finish to Docklands at the same track in March, and a strong performance could signal a resurgence. The Betfred Portland Handicap (2.20) on Saturday presents a tough puzzle, but I see Jack Channon’s GETREADYTORUMBLE as a strong contender. The four‑year‑old has shown resilience in Listed and Group company this year and proved his mettle in a five‑furlong sprint at Ascot in July, beating all but one rival. To win, he must overcome a career‑high rating, but his class gives him a genuine chance.

I slightly favour GETREADYTORUMBLE over last year’s winner Eternal Sunshine, who will be carrying five pounds less under claimer Laura Young. Both horses enjoyed a good win at Hamilton recently, while my personal favourite Toca Madera deserves a big handicap win after a string of near‑misses at Goodwood and York.

Leopardstown promises an exhilarating Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes (5.00) on Saturday, with the first three finishers from last month’s Juddmonte International likely to clash again. Item, who turned the tables on Almaqam in that epic duel, must prove his potency on the firmer Leopardstown surface. Meanwhile, Aidan O’Brien’s CONSTITUTION RIVER will aim to silence his critics after a lackluster run on The Knavesmire.

I am prepared to forgive the French Derby and Eclipse winner for his earlier defeat, as he simply mis‑paced himself early in the race. If Ryan Moore can settle him better, the colt could demonstrate the greatness that made him a top‑class performer. Almaqam earned huge credit for narrowly missing the International win and will look to prove that his performance was no fluke on a track and ground that suit him.

The faster the tempo, the better for Kieran Shoemark’s likable colt. Andrew Balding’s BLUE BOLT should continue his golden summer in the Coolmore America ‘Justify’ Matron Stakes (3.55) at Leopardstown. Unbeaten in four starts this year, she can secure a third Group‑level victory by confirming her superiority over Aidan O’Brien’s Precise, who has finished behind her in both the Falmouth Stakes and the Prix Rothschild. Aidan O’Brien could dictate the pace with both Precise and True Love well drawn, but I still expect Blue Bolt to prevail.

Last year’s winner Fallen Angel, who beat Juddmonte’s star filly in the Sun Chariot, should not be dismissed either; she will relish the ground that suits her. Overall, the weekend offers a rich tapestry of stories, from the historic 250th St.

Leger to the high‑stakes contests at Leopardstown. Whether you are backing a proven Group One performer or spotting a dark horse with untapped potential, the races promise drama, strategy, and the occasional surprise. Hollie Doyle’s insights aim to guide you through the choices, highlighting where value may lie and which horses could write the next chapter in racing history.